SWM SUPERDUAL X (2019 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£200
Power:	54 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm)
Weight:	Low (373 lbs / 169 kg)

Prices

New £7,020

Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Still mourning the passing of simple and reliable middleweight adventure bikes? Say hello to SWM. Built in the old Husqvarna factory in Italy and based on their old TE610, the SuperDual offers the same less complicated, lighter, more affordable way to do adventure that the Yamaha XT660 did – especially now this new X version has proper off-road wheel sizes for genuine dual-purpose potential.

After a week of commutes, country-crossing journeys and ham-fisted green-lane shenanigans, there are grumbles with the SWM.

Bimbling on the new SWM SuperDual X. Thankfully its trail ability is greater than mine. pic.twitter.com/acvUEFxjOe

— Mike Armitage (@MikeA_Bikes) June 6, 2019

Its engine isn’t a patch on the latest KTM/Husqvarna singles, it hasn’t the appetite for the miles of larger adventure bikes, and its suspension hinders comfort on the road. Yet there’s an attraction to the SuperDual X.

There’s a sense of robust, endearing, old-school trail bikes from its subtle thumping engine, purposeful stance and rugged build. If you’re genuinely considering the rutted route to work, its appeal is obvious.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

2 out of 5 (2/5)

Seat height is 890mm but feels higher. It's not an uncomfortable riding position, but with a short, firm seat and wide, close handlebar it always feels like an off-roader (an accessory 'comfort' seat is available).

The modest screen offers reasonable protection at A-road speed, though at over 6ft tall my knees press against the 18-litre tank and the seat doesn't have many perching options.

Vibes from the 600cc single are un-intrusive below 5000rpm (75mph in top).

The real issue is from the chassis - the suspension is firm and the Fast Ace forks feel choppy, and the ride is fidgety on open roads and motorways.

Confidence for off-road novices

Previous SuperDuals had an adventure-style 19in front wheel and 17in rear. The new X gets proper enduro sizes, with a 90/90-21 front tyre and 140/80- 18 rear, and it rolls more easily down rutted trails.

SWM claim geometry and ground clearance are unchanged, but that’s fine – with decent suspension travel (210mm front, 270mm rear), 200mm of ground clearance, Metzeler Sahara tyres and a dry weight of 169kg, the SWM gives confidence to off-road novices.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Developed by BMW when they owned Husqvarna, the 600cc single-cylinder motor is the same as the one in the CCM Spitfire.

It’s willing to rev and SWM reckon there’s 54bhp at 7500rpm, though it occasionally feels a bit stifled – I recall the old TE610 being punchier.

Harshness increases with revs beyond 5000rpm, so shift gears in the midrange with the light clutch and snickety lever.

The single is happiest and feels nicest thrumming down tight roads and back lanes, responding cleanly to the light throttle. Handling is solid and secure, and the SuperDual still leans-in cleanly despite the large front rim.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

SWM’s importer collapsed last year, so UK distribution has been taken over by 3X Motorcycles. 3X have been in the game for yonks, and the new set-up will improve availability of bikes and genuine spares as they recruit new dealers. Though not a premium device the SuperDual X uses big-brand components and overall quality seems on-the-money for a seven-grand bike.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The new big-wheel X is £7020 on the road. A luggage-shod GT version is £7720. It feels a decent amount of bike for the money, and there’s not really anything else similar.

Husqvarna's 701 Enduro is far plusher, smoother, faster, efficient and a more capable trail bike, but is an extra two grand.

The adventure style Suzuki V-Strom 650 and slightly more road-focused Kawasaki’s Versys 650 are better on-road but aren’t the same thing.

And though Royal Enfield’s Himalayan does almost everything the SWM does for £2700 less, it’s less attractive and slower.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

You won't find umpteen-level traction control or a riding mode specific for an overcast Tuesday afternoon.

Switchable ABS is the extent of the modernity, the compact digital dash having basic info (one of the two trips doesn’t work on our test bike), while switchgear is basic but functional.

This doesn’t mean a lack of useful bits: span-adjustable levers, tweakable suspension (best with everything backed off), rack, crash bars, fog lamps and centre stand are all standard.

The bodywork looks like it’ll shrug off low-speed spills, too. And while those big plastic mirrors aren’t good looking, they’re good to look in.

Specs
Engine size	600cc
Engine type	Liquid-cooled single
Frame type	Tubular steel
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Seat height	890mm
Bike weight	169kg
Front suspension	45mm USD fork, adjustable rebound and compression
Rear suspension	Monoshock, adjustable preload
Front brake	300mm disc, two-piston caliper
Rear brake	220mm disc, one-piston caliper
Front tyre size	90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size	140/80 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	-
Annual road tax	£84
Annual service cost	£200
New price	£7,020
Used price	-
Insurance group	- How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two years

Top speed & performance
Max power	54 bhp
Max torque	40.6 ft-lb
Top speed	-
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	-

Model history & versions

Model history

SWM launched the SuperDual in 2017 priced at £7599. In order to do this, they took the old Husqvarna TE610 donor engine and replaced the carb with fuel injection, added an electric start, a new Euro 4-friendly exhaust, valves, clutch, oil pump and updated electronics.

Other versions

The X is also available with a GT Pack, meaning dual rear luggage boxes for greater practicality.

Owners' reviews for the SWM SUPERDUAL X (2019 - on)

4 owners have reviewed their SWM SUPERDUAL X (2019 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your SWM SUPERDUAL X (2019 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Engine:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£200

4 out of 5 SWM superdual T

26 September 2022 by BAMF 60

Version: T modle

Year: 2019

Best feature the motor it's frikn flys gearbox is perfect brakes great ,wost feature by a short ass mile the shocking seat what a dissapointment to such a great bike I still love it really happy and will get local appolsteres on to it please don't be put off by seat everything else is easy to fix 😀

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Yeh suspension little hard but I like it suits me and how I ride love the brakes more miles on it the better they get .

Engine 5 out of 5

What a pearler bloody awesome 👌

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5

My biggest and really on problem is the butt ugly seat come on what we're you thinking when you put this on the bike wow its bad every thing else I have sorted x or t they are really well built just do a few simple things and happy days nice job otherwise swm cheers

Buying experience: Bought it second-hand with 1400 klm off dealer as new bike local dealer coast power sport awesome people to buy or sell from in adelaide South Australia

4 out of 5 Great budget adventure tourer.

17 August 2022 by Barry Lane

Version: Superdual X

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £200

Positives: Value for money. These bikes really are hard to beat considering the level of accessories that come with the bike as standard. Switchable ABS, centre stand, crash bars, windscreen, hard luggage and racks. The engine is sweet. It's got a 6 speed gearbox that shifts nicely. The brakes feel more than adequate for quick stopping in emergencies. Negatives: The only negative I've been able to find is the suspension on these bikes is rather firm. Both front and rear suspension is fully adjustable with both preload and rebound settings. However the stock suspension does feel over sprung. I'm a 95kg rider and I've backed the spring preload right off on the front forks, and have done the same on the rear shock too. It does make the bike much better to ride and I can live with the suspension set up like this, but the suspension isn't one of the bikes stronger points. The dash is a bit basic.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Ride quality is acceptable after winding off all of the suspension spring preloads for both front and rear suspensions. Mine has the comfort seat option. I can happily ride it for about 3 hours before needing a rest break. Brakes are adequate and stop well in emergencies. ABS works well and is not overly intrusive.

Engine 5 out of 5

Love the engine. It's what sold me on the SWM over the other options I was considering (Kawasaki KLR 650 and Suzuki DR 650).

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

It's early days to comment on overall reliability as my bike has only done 5000k's. I brought it with 3000k's and it hasn't missed a beat since I've owned it. Overall quality of fit and finish appears good. I've found you need to keep an eye out for bolts coming loose around the frame and rear rack mounts. I'll be taking them out and putting Loctite on them eventually.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do all my own servicing, so its really just oil and parts.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Again value for money given the level of equipment as standard, these bikes are hard to beat.

Buying experience: I purchased my SWM second-hand from the original owner.

4 out of 5

15 November 2021 by Grigoris

Year: 2019

Nice to drive but have bad Lights

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

4 out of 5 Best Value moden lightweight ADV/Dual sport bike

13 July 2019 by Paul

Year: 2019

Mine is a 17 model Superdual that came with the 19/17 wheels ( I put the 21/18 on ) I have also ridden the Currant X model extensively and their is not much difference between the models.18 onwards they have switchable ABS ( rear only ) 17 does not , 18 onwards has two models T & X . The 18 onwards has a fuel gauge ( not low fuel light ) also 18 onwards has a stepper motor as well. They are a fantastic bike mine has now done close to 6000 Miles (14.000 kms ) with NO issues that has ever stopped or let me down, at least 80% of my riding has been off road and would say its a VERY capable off road Dual sport bike. Its no Enduro bike but will do 90% of everything an Enduro will. They have had 3 issues since the release but are now all FIXED and basically a brilliant bike now with no problems ( maybe the seat but they have now made a comfort seat ) The fixed issues were 1. rear subframe bolts breaking ( replaced with higher grade ones ) 2. Lower mesh oil filter was weak and broke in a few engines ( now replaced with a stronger replacement one ) & 3. Mapping on 18 models wasn't the best ( now fixed with new maps ) These are VERY easy to service have a 2 lt engine oil capacity (so long oil interval changes ) quality Brembo brakes and braided brake lines , Sach suspension, comes with crash bars , rear rack , screen , bash plate and hand guards . There is VERY little you need to do with this bike out of the box just heated grips and I put some after market pipes on mine. For the price they are GOLD and a do anything bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Its a great all rounder , not the best as a pillion bike ( but a mate takes his wife everywere on the back of his ) I would say around a stop every 1 hour or so to give the butt a rest.

Engine 5 out of 5

Its a peach very smooth also used in the CCM Spitfire and the AJP P7 as well.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Very Relibile bike

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Hard to say depending on how many Kms you do . A minor service would be around 100.00 pounds ( 250 Aus ) and major around 200 pounds ( about 500 Aus or so )

Equipment 5 out of 5

Comes standard with pretty much everything

Buying experience: Fantastic